Trips and Tours to Beijing

In the heart of Beijing stands the sprawling complex of ancient buildings known as the Forbidden City, named for the fact that people could only enter the grounds by invitation of the emperor. As the country's imperial palace for some 500 years, the Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors and their consorts from the Ming to the Qing dynasties (1420 - 1912). Spread across 180 acres, the palace consists of 980 excellently preserved and restored buildings with a reputed 9,000 chambers filled with a variety of exhibits from calligraphy paintings to ceramics, scientific instruments to courtly objects.

This remarkably symmetrical temple and its surrounding environs really are a slice of heaven in Beijing's busy city center. Founded in 1420 by a Ming dynasty emperor, the temple, which in terms of function is actually an altar, played a pivotal role in ceremonial events and is now largely considered to be the pinnacle of Ming design. Every design element speaks of the Chinese relationship with the origins of the universe - the square bases represent Earth while the round temples and altars represent Heaven with multiples of nine used as a symbol of completeness and eternity.

Located in the northwest of downtown Beijing, the colorful Lama Temple is the largest of its kind in China and the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet. Perfectly combining Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles, the temple is notable for its rivet roofing, vividly painted woodwork and decorative interiors of frescoes, tapestries and Buddha statues and icons. The temple was originally built in 1694 as a royal residence but was not designated a lamasery until 50 years later, welcoming monks from across Tibet and Inner Mongolia. Today the temple serves as an active place of worship for monks and locals alike.

Named after a 1950s factory, the 798 Art District is the best place to go for a live insight into contemporary Chinese art. The industrial space was the perfect spot for artists to set up large, airy studios where they could tackle social and political themes in multi-media and with the artists came the galleries that now host international art exhibitions and local events. With a smattering of cafes and shops it's worth the trip out here with a couple of hours easily absorbed by the art on display and the sight of Beijing's creative set hard at work. On Mondays many of the galleries close for the day.

North of Beijing is China's most famous, most popular and most iconic sight - the Great Wall. Snaking a haphazard trail from the eastern coast fronting the Bay of Bohai to the arid desert of the Gobi in the west, the Wall is a series of sections that range from decrepit piles of stone to immaculately restored battlements with watchtowers and obstacle walls. It's little wonder that this astonishing feat of engineering was voted one of the world's New 7 Wonders and a visit to China really isn't complete without a visit. Allow a full day to explore the wall with transfer times from the capital taking around 2-3 hours depending on traffic.

For a glimpse of ancient China in modern day Beijing, nothing beats a rickshaw ride through the charming hutongs, alleyways lined with resident buildings built around a courtyard (known as siheyuan in Chinese). Dating back to China's late dynastic period, a trip around the hutongs provide a fascinating insight into a now-dying way of life as much of Beijing's ancient quarters are demolished to make way for shiny new skyscrapers and sprawling highways. Rickshaw rides typically last half an hour and usually include a visit to a local residence where you can explore the interior.

Of all the cuisines found in Beijing, one specialty is known above all else and that's Peking duck, a dish that has been prepared since the imperial era, and Dadong is one of the best places in the city to sample it. Located northeast of the city center in an area known as Sanlitun, Dadong serves the Peking duck of your dreams - crispy skins that have plenty of crunch and succulent meat with plenty of flavor - but that's not all as the weighty menu offers plenty more delicious Chinese fare. It's worth booking in advance as the restaurant is usually packed.

Meal prices: $$

For fine dining with impressive views, the stylish Capital M is a solid choice. Overlooking Tiananmen Square on a sweeping terrace diners can enjoy an irresistible selection of European dishes from smoked salmon to leg of lamb, suckling pig to crispy duck in the heart of the city. The contemporary interior of the venue features a river-themed mural with open fireplaces and a geometric fashioned floor. It's also a prime spot to enjoy a cocktail with imaginative twists on the classics, or a glass of wine with a well-rounded choice.

Meal prices: $$$$

Close to the Forbidden City is one of Beijing's four main shopping districts, the pedestrianized street of Wangfujing. Large shopping malls stand on either end of the street with stalls and stores in between selling all manner of goods. Famous names on Wangfujing include the Shengxifu hat store, the Children's Department Store, Tongshenghe shoe shop and Yong'an Tang herb store. It's also a great place to sample Beijing's range of food delicacies and oddities with a whole street running off Wangfujing filled with food stalls and markets selling deep fried insects and candid fruit, to name just a few.

This is the place to go if you're looking for antiques, arts and crafts. Located in the southeast of the city, the Panjiayuan is Beijing's largest antique market with a staggering range of secondhand goods from furniture to ceramics. Under the arts and crafts umbrella you'll find calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting, musical instruments and lacquer ware to name but a few. Even if you're not a serious shopper it's worth a visit with plenty of intriguing curios and photo opportunities. The market is open all week but some stalls may be closed on certain days. For the market at its most active, visit on the weekends.

Located 25km northeast of the city center, the modern Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is something of a showpiece and the main international gateway to mainland China with over 60 airlines flying into the airport from destinations around the world. Three terminals serve both domestic and international flights with the newer T3 completed back in 2008. The fast and efficient Airport Express Train connects T2 and T3, and also links the airport with Dongzhimen subway station in downtown Beijing. The journey takes 20 minutes.

The road from the airport to the city center is a smooth and comfortable ride though Beijing's chaotic and congested traffic means the journey time can take anything from one hour to two. Private transfers (included on all our group tours in China) are a great way to get to your hotel in Beijing with an English-speaking driver waiting for you at the airport arrival's hall. For those arriving independently taxis are plentiful and the official taxis that queue outside the airport use meters with costs around $20 depending on traffic and the journey time.